So Be ItUzorak

Paul certainly seemed to love his Philippian family! The whole book is filled with words of encouragement and joy. But he also shows his love for them by his words of challenge. In these verses, he says that his prayer for them is that their “love may abound,” that they would “be able to discern what is best,” and that they would be “filled with the fruit of righteousness.” What do you pray for your family or friends? Maybe you pray for material provision. Perhaps you pray the generic “Lord, bless my family.” Or do you pray for them at all? What would our families and friendships be like if we really prayed God’s love and discernment and fruit into their lives?

Lord, I am so grateful for the family and friends you have given to me. Forgive me for the sinful behaviors in my life that may have created a break in relationship with them. I ask that your love might abound in them. I ask that they would have your wisdom so that they could discern what is best. And I ask that they might be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through knowing you. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen. So Be It.